Desert River - Lovelock, NV

The Desert River, two things that don't seem to go together. How can a dry landscape with virtually no life growing have the essence of life flowing through it? The juxtaposition, the paradox. It was something I really wanted to capture. I found this spot seven years ago driving back from Utah after visiting my brother. Off to the side of the freeway I could see this beautiful turquoise river flowing through the dry desert. I had to pull over and explore this phenomenon. It was so turquoise my wife and I weren't sure if it was safe to swim in, and we were both so amazed by its color. This was long before I got into photography, but once I had my camera, this river was something I knew I had to capture one day. I had been thinking a lot about this desert river idea, and I felt like it was time to head back to the turquoise waters of the Humboldt River. It was 3.5 hour drive from my house, so I planned on photographing the sunset, then sleeping in my car before heading home in the morning. I headed east, found the exit I took seven years ago, and couldn't believe I was finally back here. I started walking around and thinking about where I should shoot this and thought, "the best spot would be up high on the dunes." So I walked up river a bit and found a spot way up high that gave a great view of the whole area. I climbed up the dune, set up my tripod and waited for the sunset... only for it to be a dud. Luckily I was staying the night anyway, so I figured I would just get up in the morning and try again for the sunrise.  I woke up at 4:30am, groggy and tired, got out of my car and started walking back to the same spot in the dim morning light. The clouds were plentiful, so I knew if they lit up, I would get the shot. I climbed back up the steep, sandy dune, feet slipping in the soft sand with every step. Setup my tripod and camera and waited. Then, sure enough, the clouds bursted with color. My dream shot had come true. The turquoise desert river, dramatic sky, all while wondering how these two unlikely things could go together.